SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

摘要

SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE A software management structure is disclosed. A software application package is made up of several linked replaceable units (RU). Each RU is serviceable without adversely effecting the other RUs. The RUs are linked together in a hierarchical fashion in a series of levels. In the preferred embodiment, five levels are used: Application Group level (AG), Loadable Code Group level (LCG), Primary Functional Group level (PFG), Secondary Functional Group level (SFG), and Operational Code Group level (OCG). The AG level defines a group of computer programs combined to perform a high level application tailor fit to meet the needs of the user. The ECG level defines individual programs each created to perform a general task. The PFG level refines the common programs defined in the LCG level to a more specific set of primary functions. The SFG level refines the primary functions defined in the PFG level to an even more specialized set of secondary functions tailored closely to fit a specific user's needs. The OCG level contains the operational code needed to run the specialized user application package defined by the preceding four levels. Each RU, regardless of level, contains self-identifying and maintenance information, and can also contain a list of hardware and software dependencies unique to that RU. The self identifying, maintenance and dependency information contained in the RUs is also known as vital product data, or VPD.